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Car Forum / Land Rover Cars / October 2004Off road .. brilliant! (long)
Hi All, Just got back from a brilliant day at the Abingdon 4X4 Festival. We were looking some sort of Land Rover event as a birthday treat for our Landy loving <shrug?>daughter's 14th birthday and some kind soul from this list not only told me about the Abingdon gig but also offered us a ride round the cct on Sat had we wanted (thanks). I mentioned this to my Disco owning brother in law and he seemed keen to have a go on an off road course (after 97k miles in his Disco 'on-road') so the date was set. They picked us up this morning (nth London) and we arrived at 10am after a pretty clear journey. We booked in and after a quick cupper, a look over the car and some driving tips by a marshal we were on our way ... As we approached the first 'hill' I'm thinking 'no way, not in this and with road tyres ..' but up we climbed and over the top and onto the next! We only faultered on one and a quick reverse decent and another go with a bit more 'welly' we were away again! I managed to get some video footage from the front passenger seat (including several shots of the roof and my knee .. difficult to hold the camera AND hold on / enjoy the experience!). What surprised all of us passengers was the finish. There was a bit of a water (mud) splash before the final hump and we were ready for my BIL to take a steady run through it (he's generally quite cautious) ... till he saw the 'How high can you splash' sign .. then he gunned it and we exited the section like something from a fairground ride! So what seemed like 10 mins but was probably nearer an hour later (after a few holdups for wet plugs on petrol vehicles etc) we finished, and no bits missing or broken (on the car anyway <g>) and with 5 of the biggest grins you would have seen for a long time .. ;-) After a quick walk round the stands and a bit of lunch we joined the short queue and went round again, tho this time I took some video footage from various (safe) points round the cct so my BIL could see his efforts from the outsiders perspective. This time, instead of taking all the 'easy' (easy!?) options I heard the kids (and my "I'm not sure I want to go ." Wife) chanting "hard, hard, hard" and watching them go up some mud and rut covered slopes I would have though only though fit for a cable car (before today)! Anyway, after that cct it was getting near the end of the day so we wiped the lights / number plates clear (they wanted to show my Sister the mud covered vehicle when they got home) and we had a slower but straight forward (and boringly flat) drive home ;-( A cuppa and quick vetting of some of the video footage later (and re-living it all over again) we waved my BIL and nephew off after a great day <sigh>. So, great weather, great cct (perfectly pitched for our skills / vehicle etc), good value for money (20 quid for 5 of us for all day) and friendy and helpfull folk (staff and other 4X4 drivers ..(probably 80% Landy folk). Like lots of 'remote' events, the toilets were in need of more regular cleaning / attention (ok for the 'blokes' but no so nice for the 'girls') but even that didn't spoil a great day. So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) All the best .. T i m >So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) > >All the best .. you've done it now... welcome to the worshipful company of nutters. >>So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) >> >>All the best .. > >you've done it now... Hmm, tell me about it .. ! welcome to the worshipful company of nutters. Thanks for the welcome Austin .. but I think I was there already (in the local paper canoeing down the flooded high street, building a kit car, getting married for a second time etc) ;-) The wife (Mrs "right now" (not Mrs Right) as I remind her <g>) really enjoys riding her Yamaha XV750 Virago, even when towing a fully loaded motorcycle camping trailer and until yesterday was really 'non plussed' about Land Rovers or off roading. The daughter used to fly about on her little Yamaha PW50 (twist n go kiddies motocrosser) and then a Yamaha TY80 (4 speed trials bike) so is at home in the mud and probably why she likes the Landy style. I have spent most my life on a motorbike of some sort so the novelty has worn off to a degree and the idea of working on and off-road driving a Landy (especially if I can share it with our daughter (now 14)) appeals to me (I think I'll stick to the 55 mpg, 100 quid, Rover 218SD for the loger trips) . I asked her which she prefered so far as a birthday treat ..10 pin bowling (the most common activity to date), British Superbikes at Brands, Santa Pod or offroading .. she didn't seem to have to think about it too much! (it was BSB before yesterday). I like the flexibility of the LR marque (swapping bits across some of the model range), cheap parts, loads of mods / addons ... sort of becomming a rolling project. I'm not sure I like the poor fuel economy, noise (I suffer from tinnitus as it is) and not even sure if at 6'2" I would fit in a Series 1-3? But I'm still keen ... ? Talking to one of the guys at the event yesterday he suggested that he was looking for a 90 or 110 but there were all out of his budget. He ended up with a Disco at about half what he would have paid for the alternative? But, I'm not sure if I want a Disco ... ? All the best ... ;-) T i m Twas Mon, 27 Sep 2004 08:23:02 GMT when T i m <news@spaced.me.uk> put finger to keyboard producing: >I like the flexibility of the LR marque (swapping bits across some of >the model range), cheap parts, loads of mods / addons ... sort of >becomming a rolling project. I'm not sure I like the poor fuel >economy, noise (I suffer from tinnitus as it is) and not even sure if >at 6'2" I would fit in a Series 1-3? But I'm still keen ... ? I'm 6'4" and fit in my 110 no trouble at all, also driven a few S3's including one to bosnia and back, no problem. >Talking to one of the guys at the event yesterday he suggested that he >was looking for a 90 or 110 but there were all out of his budget. He >ended up with a Disco at about half what he would have paid for the >alternative? But, I'm not sure if I want a Disco ... ? You do seem to get alot for your money with a disco, and in my opinion no less capable than a 110. Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.)  Signature_________________________________________ www.markvarleyphoto.co.uk 1984 110 CSW 2.5(na)D (3,000 rivets flying in close formation) _________________________________________ >Talking to one of the guys at the event yesterday he suggested that he >was looking for a 90 or 110 but there were all out of his budget. He >ended up with a Disco at about half what he would have paid for the >alternative? But, I'm not sure if I want a Disco ... ? I wasn't sure either, but I have to admit that I'm slowly falling in love with it... straight out of the box, the 90 is probably the most capable off-road, thanks to the short wheelbase and short overhangs. mind, for cheap-to-buy fun, I don't reckon you can beat a middle-aged Range Rover, something around early-mid-80s, which are seriously cheap at the moment, especially a V8. If you don't intend to do much mileage, then the fuel consumption is less of a problem, and they're loads of fun and make a lovely noise. if you get a 3.9, they're a bit more pricey to buy but faster... the only thing to watch for is corrosion problems, and for that, you just need a RR expert to take with you when viewing prospects. Other than that, the parts are mostly pretty cheap, the off-road performance is pretty much identical to the disco (hardly surprising, same chassis) and there are any amount of mods available. >>Talking to one of the guys at the event yesterday he suggested that he >>was looking for a 90 or 110 but there were all out of his budget. He [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >I wasn't sure either, but I have to admit that I'm slowly falling in love >with it... ;-) >straight out of the box, the 90 is probably the most capable off-road, >thanks to the short wheelbase and short overhangs. And I like their sorta 'square' looks .. ;-) >mind, for cheap-to-buy fun, I don't reckon you can beat a middle-aged Range >Rover, something around early-mid-80s, which are seriously cheap at the >moment, especially a V8. Is the insurance ok on them (48, no claims in 15 years, clean licence for 25 years) ? If you don't intend to do much mileage, then the >fuel consumption is less of a problem, and they're loads of fun and make a >lovely noise. Oh that they do .. I had a Ford V6 in a Bedford CF camper van and I made a twin 'straight through' exhaust for it. A nice 'burble' on tickover and normal running and something a bit louder when you floored it ;-) if you get a 3.9, they're a bit more pricey to buy but >faster... the only thing to watch for is corrosion problems, and for that, >you just need a RR expert to take with you when viewing prospects. Ok on that .. I thought I read things like the tailgates rot away etc .. probably not a problem on a 'bob' ;-) Other >than that, the parts are mostly pretty cheap, the off-road performance is >pretty much identical to the disco (hardly surprising, same chassis) Is it? That was one of my questions .. "what (if anything) does the Disco share it's running gear with"? So is it 'exactly' the same as the RR (for the important bits anyway?) and >there are any amount of mods available. Hmmm ... bolt on bits ... we like them .. (as long as they are worthwhile ..) Start off with a stock Series III and end up with a tricked up special (and 10 grand lighter!) All the best .. T i m >Is it? That was one of my questions .. "what (if anything) does the >Disco share it's running gear with"? So is it 'exactly' the same as >the RR (for the important bits anyway?) There's a hell of a lot that's the same. I've never really studied it in super-detail, but basically, chassis, running gear (air suspension ones excluded, not that they're in the cheap fun bracket yet), brakes I think and side doors are all the same. Lift the bonnet on a disco and it looks just like a RR underneath. I reckon if I wanted a fun motor to play offroad etc., I'd be tempted to a Rangie. I drive a disco 'cos I can (now) get 7 passengers in it. > I reckon if I wanted a fun motor to play offroad etc., I'd be tempted to a > Rangie. I drive a disco 'cos I can (now) get 7 passengers in it. You got the 110 seats to fit OK then? Signaturesimon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk Simon Barr. '97 110 300Tdi. >> I reckon if I wanted a fun motor to play offroad etc., I'd be tempted to a >> Rangie. I drive a disco 'cos I can (now) get 7 passengers in it. > >You got the 110 seats to fit OK then? aye, there was a thread about it, I think. I'll put up a small webpage about it when ICBA. >>You got the 110 seats to fit OK then? > > aye, there was a thread about it, I think. I'll put up a small webpage > about it when ICBA. I remember the begining where you said you wanted to fit the seats, just couldn't remember the outcome. Signaturesimon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk Simon Barr. '97 110 300Tdi. > So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) Lanr Rover, the only one :-)) >> So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) > >Lanr Rover, the only one :-)) You could be right .. However someone did mention the Lada 'Niva' (is it?) .. especially for someone on a budget who wanted to just have a bit off cheap off road fun? Or what ... <shrug> A mate is currently restoring a 110 (he's down to the chassis at the moment welding on outriggers etc) and has a lightweight in the drive. He also had to option on a couple of other LR's (details unknown) but what should I look for please? All the best .. T i m On Monday, in article <tdjfl0lc51j7s468ilognff24tcb37p3j8@4ax.com> > However someone did mention the Lada 'Niva' (is it?) .. especially for > someone on a budget who wanted to just have a bit off cheap off road > fun? Cheap, yes, but not good for tall drivers. It's partly the RHD/LHD difference; the footwells are different and the British-spec vehicle puts the pedals in the smaller footwell. SignatureDavid G. Bell -- SF Fan, Filker, and Punslinger. "History shows that the Singularity started when Sir Tim Berners-Lee was bitten by a radioactive spider." >On Monday, in article > <tdjfl0lc51j7s468ilognff24tcb37p3j8@4ax.com> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >difference; the footwells are different and the British-spec vehicle >puts the pedals in the smaller footwell. Ah, interesting and handy feedback (and would never have considered the l / r footwell thing ...) Cheers .. T i m Have'nt any experience of Niva's, but I have heard good things of them. They must be long in the tooth now so care when lookig at them. One thing the Russians did was build to sloppy tolerances and hence you find their stuff is pretty tough. I would imagine parts could be awkward but have heard there is a dedicated support group in the UK ? Personally I would go for an ex MoD lightweight or the like as spares will be easier although some military bits are peculiar such as pumps having more bolts than civilian. Lots of ex military stuff being dumped but will not last forever as MoD gets rid of it's old cold war stock. > >> So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) > > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > T i m >Have'nt any experience of Niva's, but I have heard good things of them. They >must be long in the tooth now so care when lookig at them. I saw a 97 one on the net a while ago (that would be a lot newer than my 92 Rover, 82 Sierra or 78 kit car) ;-) One thing the >Russians did was build to sloppy tolerances and hence you find their stuff >is pretty tough. Ok .. I like 'tough' .. ;-) I would imagine parts could be awkward but have heard there >is a dedicated support group in the UK ? I have just googled and found such .. (no web site as yet ..) >Personally I would go for an ex MoD lightweight or the like as spares will >be easier although some military bits are peculiar such as pumps having more >bolts than civilian. These are the things you learn as the anorack get's christened aren't they (I already have a few) ;-) Lots of ex military stuff being dumped but will not >last forever as MoD gets rid of it's old cold war stock. I have seen some surplus stuff and assumed they should have been 'looked after' .. (bored engineers and regular 'checks' ?) I think it's going to have to be a Landy as I believe: 1) It's got the sort of following I'd like to be part of .. (nutters) ;-) 2) (therefore) plenty of skill / knoledge on the marque .. 3) I have a reasonable workshop 4) Wide class acceptance ? 5) My (14yr old) daughter won't have anything else .. ;-) All the best .. T i m Twas Mon, 27 Sep 2004 09:32:26 GMT when T i m <news@spaced.me.uk> put finger to keyboard producing: >I have seen some surplus stuff and assumed they should have been >'looked after' .. (bored engineers and regular 'checks' ?) Hmm, yes and no on that one. >I think it's going to have to be a Landy as I believe: > >1) It's got the sort of following I'd like to be part of .. (nutters) >;-) Oh yes... >2) (therefore) plenty of skill / knoledge on the marque .. Certainly is. >3) I have a reasonable workshop mutter mutter, some of us work at the roadside mutter mutter. >4) Wide class acceptance ? I think so, certainly if you go for a disco IMHO. >5) My (14yr old) daughter won't have anything else .. ;-) Sold! >All the best .. > >T i m Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.) Signature_________________________________________ www.markvarleyphoto.co.uk 1984 110 CSW 2.5(na)D (3,000 rivets flying in close formation) _________________________________________ >>3) I have a reasonable workshop > >mutter mutter, some of us work at the roadside mutter mutter. Well, as do we .. the tools stay in the garage, the cars / bikes live (and get worked on) outside. I am trying to clear some space in there to the the old BM (R100RT) in there and the gearbox back on ... ;-( Having said that I do have a 'friend' with a heated garage and a 2 and 4 poster lifts to my disposal .. I just treat him to lunch and fix his PC's now and again .. ;-) All the best .. T i m >Well, as do we .. the tools stay in the garage, the cars / bikes live >(and get worked on) outside. I am trying to clear some space in there >to the the old BM (R100RT) in there and the gearbox back on ... ;-( Hi Tim, Have you "still" not got that BMW back on the road then? It must be over a year now! You must be a very busy man ;O) Hope you find the Landy you want. Neil (Reply via NG please) >>Well, as do we .. the tools stay in the garage, the cars / bikes live >>(and get worked on) outside. I am trying to clear some space in there >>to the the old BM (R100RT) in there and the gearbox back on ... ;-( >> >Hi Tim, Hi Neil!, good to hear from you ;-) >Have you "still" not got that BMW back on the road then? Em Nope <blush>. However, I have done up an old Honda CB 'Two Fifty' as a runabout since .. ;-) It must be >over a year now! Maybe nearer two ? You must be a very busy man ;O) Well, yes and no. I *could* have put it back together by now (I've re-bearinged the gearbox and fitted the new input shaft etc) but we had our annual holiday in the folding caravan rather than motorcycle / camping this (and last) year and that's the main time we really use the bikes (much though the Missus would love to get out on her XV750 she like to go out with me) ... and I'm not gagging to get on the 250 (or any bike for that matter) .. ;-( >Hope you find the Landy you want. Well actually I want yours Neil .. want a BMW R100RT (in boxes) as a straight swap? (go on, you know you want to!) ;-) All the best .. T i m p.s. The solar panel is still working well and if I got a Landy it would be an ideal use for the 12V genny ... ;-) >Hi Neil!, good to hear from you ;-) >> [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] >p.s. The solar panel is still working well and if I got a Landy it >would be an ideal use for the 12V genny ... ;-) Nearly two years eh? Good grief! Is it really that long ago? I figured the folding 'van was your current preferred holiday accommodation, from the other NG. HaHa....sorry, "Brec"'s not on the market! Not even for a BMW R100RT, I like it just too much. Glad the solar panel continues to do it's stuff. And there have been a few times I wished I hadn't parted with that little genny. Ah well, there you go. And if you are patient, the right Landy will turn up. When I was looking for my first 90, I was searching all over, and checking out all the magazines. In the end though, I found just what I was looking for not a quarter mile away, and at the right price too! Good luck Tim, Neil (Reply via NG please) > I have seen some surplus stuff and assumed they should have been > 'looked after' .. (bored engineers and regular 'checks' ?) Take care, in some conditions they have to push them to the limit and that includes servicing interval and quality, knowing a batch will be dumped to a dealer tends to lead to a lack of care at the end of it's military life. After all no profit in wasting spares and time on something going somewhere else. Try to find where it came from, some deployments can be disastorous. Cyprus for Salt. Arctic for Salt and water. South America same as is Falklands If you can look for either some kind of cerimonial use ( rare) or an ex-RAF model that may have been used simply to ply up/ down a runway or at the very least simply in the airbase boundaries. >> I have seen some surplus stuff and assumed they should have been >> 'looked after' .. (bored engineers and regular 'checks' ?) [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >After all no profit in wasting spares and time on something going somewhere >else. Oh ok .. noted .. >Try to find where it came from, some deployments can be disastorous. Cyprus >for Salt. Arctic for Salt and water. Ah .. and as if by fate etc .. I took a call a just now from a mate, who in reply to me spouting off about yesterdays 4x4 fun mentioned they had just been given back a 'A' plate swb (Landy) truck that years ago was used as a recovery tractor for their speedboat off the coast ..? He suggested that they (he or his lads) probably wouldn't take it on and therefore it might be up for grabs ... ? I think he said the brakes were all shot (not surprising considering) but apart from chassis / bulkhead what else might not make this a 'result', if I'm given it (he said the engine was ok ..) ? South America same as is Falklands >If you can look for either some kind of cerimonial use ( rare) or an ex-RAF >model that may have been used simply to ply up/ down a runway or at the very >least simply in the airbase boundaries. Ok, makes sense and thanks again .. T i m Twas Mon, 27 Sep 2004 12:55:28 GMT when T i m <news@spaced.me.uk> put finger to keyboard producing: >>> I have seen some surplus stuff and assumed they should have been >>> 'looked after' .. (bored engineers and regular 'checks' ?) [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] >but apart from chassis / bulkhead what else might not make this a >'result', if I'm given it (he said the engine was ok ..) ? I'd look carefully at the axles also, could be very rusted and the diffs may be in a bad way if it's been in and out of the wet without breather pipes. Not forgetting the gearbox of course. swb A plate will be a 1984 S3. Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.) Signature_________________________________________ www.markvarleyphoto.co.uk 1984 110 CSW 2.5(na)D (3,000 rivets flying in close formation) _________________________________________ > However someone did mention the Lada 'Niva' (is it?) .. especially for > someone on a budget who wanted to just have a bit off cheap off road > fun? Nivas are *very* competent offroad, have a lack of ground clearance, the front lower suspension arm mounts ruin the approach angle, the timing chains and tensioners are awful and the electrics make Joe Lucas look like Einstein. They also rot fairly readily and not being on a chassis are a PITA to repair. I have owned 2 Nivas, several Series Landrovers, a Rangerover and a couple of D90's. For what you want buy a Series, and for cheapness get a tax exempt one (it should also mean your daughter learns to double de-clutch). SignatureEMB change two to the number to reply >> However someone did mention the Lada 'Niva' (is it?) .. especially for >> someone on a budget who wanted to just have a bit off cheap off road [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >like Einstein. They also rot fairly readily and not being on a chassis >are a PITA to repair. Ah, pertanant points indeed .. ;-( >I have owned 2 Nivas, several Series Landrovers, a Rangerover and a >couple of D90's. For what you want buy a Series, and for cheapness get >a tax exempt one (it should also mean your daughter learns to double >de-clutch). Again .. thanks for the advice .. taking of the daughter (currently 'Goth' / Landy cammo), what is insurance like for a youngster on such things please? All the best .. T i m > Again .. thanks for the advice .. taking of the daughter (currently > 'Goth' / Landy cammo), what is insurance like for a youngster on such > things please? Been investigating this very subject myself. My Daughter is just 17 and as it happens we have a nice SIII SWB Diesel ready for use, but only used occasionally. It's counted as group 1 for insurance by most insurance companies (the lowest) and so you'd think it would be cheap - it is for me - second car so no NCD it costs me ?111 fully comp *including* breakdown cover! But regardless of who I ring, I can't get cover on it for my daughter (provisional license) for less than a grand (third party). The advice is get her a cheap old hatchback (nova/fiesta) under 1000cc and pay about 650 to 750. It seems that the companies that insure kiddies cheap don't understand Land Rovers, they just want to cover the simple eurobox hatchbacks :-( >> Again .. thanks for the advice .. taking of the daughter (currently >> 'Goth' / Landy cammo), what is insurance like for a youngster on such [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >lowest) and so you'd think it would be cheap - it is for me - second >car so no NCD it costs me ?111 fully comp *including* breakdown cover! Crikey! I will also depend on the loading of the area .. inner city V country etc? >But regardless of who I ring, I can't get cover on it for my daughter >(provisional license) for less than a grand (third party). How much lower would it be if your daughter had passed her test I wonder? The advice >is get her a cheap old hatchback (nova/fiesta) under 1000cc and pay >about 650 to 750. It seems that the companies that insure kiddies >cheap don't understand Land Rovers, they just want to cover the simple >eurobox hatchbacks :-( One assumes they just look at the age for the risk, rather than mixing that with the vehicle and a drop of realism ..? I was going to mention they should include a maturity and attitude module in the test .. if it was done retrospectivly the roads would be a lot quieter / safer (infact it wouldn't, because a lot of 'those' folk don't bother with licences in the first place ..) All the best .. T i m > >> Again .. thanks for the advice .. taking of the daughter > (currently >> 'Goth' / Landy cammo), what is insurance like for a [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > Crikey! I will also depend on the loading of the area .. inner city V > country etc? That will make a difference - our postcode is one of the lowest for car insurance in the country. > > But regardless of who I ring, I can't get cover on it for my > > daughter (provisional license) for less than a grand (third party). > > How much lower would it be if your daughter had passed her test I > wonder? Not much at all - Under 21's are seen as a terribly bad risk. > The advice > > is get her a cheap old hatchback (nova/fiesta) under 1000cc and pay [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > One assumes they just look at the age for the risk, rather than mixing > that with the vehicle and a drop of realism ..? There certainly doesn't seem to be much realism in it. > I was going to mention they should include a maturity and attitude > module in the test .. if it was done retrospectivly the roads would be > a lot quieter / safer (infact it wouldn't, because a lot of 'those' > folk don't bother with licences in the first place ..) Too true sadly. > However someone did mention the Lada 'Niva' (is it?) .. especially for > someone on a budget who wanted to just have a bit off cheap off road > fun? Up until about a year ago I ran a Niva, one of the last into the country ('97 P). It was a fantastic thing, I used it everyday for about three years and I used it go green laning. There is a website run by a guy called Alan Bird with forums for Lada owners to chat on, Alan also prvides a spares service and there is nothing he shouldn't be able to get as he used to import spares personally. Very helpfull chap too. Checkout: http://www.lada.co.uk As much as I loved the Niva I much prefer the 110. Save your money up until you can afford a Land Rover, they're much more fun! If you must get a Niva try and get a later 1.7i model and listen carefully to the gearbox, if it has a rumble that disappears when you press the clutch down budget for a gearbox change, a common fault. Signaturesimon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk Simon Barr. '97 110 300Tdi. >> However someone did mention the Lada 'Niva' (is it?) .. especially for >> someone on a budget who wanted to just have a bit off cheap off road [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >('97 P). It was a fantastic thing, I used it everyday for about three >years and I used it go green laning. Hi Simon .. that was another facet of this 4x4 world I though I might like to do .. 'Green Laning' .. >There is a website run by a guy called Alan Bird with forums for Lada >owners to chat on, Alan also prvides a spares service and there is nothing >he shouldn't be able to get as he used to import spares personally. Very >helpfull chap too. > >Checkout: http://www.lada.co.uk Ok, thanks for that .. >As much as I loved the Niva I much prefer the 110. Save your money up >until you can afford a Land Rover, (could be a long time on my current income ('house husband')) ;-( they're much more fun! Well, we would be on the right trach afa my daughter is concerened .. it would have to be a 90 though .. If you must get >a Niva try and get a later 1.7i model and listen carefully to the gearbox, >if it has a rumble that disappears when you press the clutch down budget >for a gearbox change, a common fault. Expensive Simon? .. Howabout in comparison with a Disco / 90-110 gearbox? All the best .. T i m > If you must get >>a Niva try and get a later 1.7i model and listen carefully to the gearbox, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Expensive Simon? .. Howabout in comparison with a Disco / 90-110 > gearbox? Not as expensive as a Landy one. I did mine the cheapskate way by rebuilding one with knackered bearings, cost me about £120 quid along with a new clutch at the ssame time. Alan at the aformentioned site supplied me with a gearbox to rebuild for the cost of carriage, about £20. I also did all the work myself. I think Alan sells new gearboxes for £250-£300, then of course you'd need someone to fit it if you're not that way inclined. So the cost could spiral. That's partly why I said don't buy the Niva. A landy will need as much if not more work and money throwing at it. Thing is a Landy will be worth money after a few years, the Niva will most likely not be. Oh, and for laning you could do worse than join Glass: http://www.glass-uk.org/ I think most areas have a monthly meet. In Herts we normally head out laning the following Sunday. Signaturesimon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk Simon Barr. '97 110 300Tdi. >> If you must get >>>a Niva try and get a later 1.7i model and listen carefully to the gearbox, [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >rebuilding one with knackered bearings, cost me about £120 quid along with >a new clutch at the ssame time. Not bad then .. Alan at the aformentioned site supplied >me with a gearbox to rebuild for the cost of carriage, about £20. I >also did all the work myself. As you say .. sounds like a nice man ;-) >I think Alan sells new gearboxes for £250-£300, then of course you'd need >someone to fit it if you're not that way inclined. I am .. (luckily ..) ;-) So the cost could >spiral. Indeed .. I try to do my own building, wiring, welding, fabricating, turning ... ;-) >That's partly why I said don't buy the Niva. A landy will need as much >if not more work and money throwing at it. Thing is a Landy will be worth >money after a few years, the Niva will most likely not be. Ok, good point (throwing money down a hole etc ..) >Oh, and for laning you could do worse than join Glass: > >http://www.glass-uk.org/ Hmm, looks interesting .. I wonder if I could do that with the Rickman Ranger (M&S tryes),(as long as I bring my own tow rope) ;-) >I think most areas have a monthly meet. In Herts we normally head out laning >the following Sunday. Hmm, which Sunday would that be and where would we 'head out from' if we lived in Herts perchance ..? ;-) All the best Simon .. T i m >>http://www.glass-uk.org/ > > Hmm, looks interesting .. I wonder if I could do that with the Rickman > Ranger (M&S tryes),(as long as I bring my own tow rope) ;-) Not sure what a Ranger is so I did a google. Hmm.. kit car based on the mk2 escort. You would be able to do some lanes around Herts as a few are little more than dirt tracks. Others are maybe a bit too much for it though. As for tyres, you dont necessarily need mud ones to be able to go laning. The Niva never had more than AT's and the 110 has got M&S tyres on. Saying that I am planning to get some muds as the extra grip would be nice. >>I think most areas have a monthly meet. In Herts we normally head out laning >>the following Sunday. > > Hmm, which Sunday would that be and where would we 'head out from' if > we lived in Herts perchance ..? ;-) The monthly meet is at the Long and Short in Lemsford nr WGC, second Wed of every month. The following Sundays trip is normally planned that night along with the meeting place. Quite often we meet at the 24hr Tescos next to the A1 in Hatfield, but the place varies. We don't always drive Herts either but try to vary a bit. The furthest we've made it is to the north Norfolk coast having driven the Peddars Way! Signaturesimon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk Simon Barr. '97 110 300Tdi. >>>http://www.glass-uk.org/ >> [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >Hmm.. kit car based on the mk2 escort. That's the badger ... looks very much like an early Suzi jeep. We (the Wife and I) built it in the back garden over 3 months of evenings / weekends. It's about 10" shorter wheelbase than the MKII 1300 Escort saloon it (mostly) came from. To get the gearing right due to the bigger wheels / tyres, I fitted a 4.44:1 diff from a 1.1 Escort van. I shortened (cut / welded) the prop myself (just to get it through it's first MOT and was still on there 10 years later. The odd time I have done any mild 'off roading' (or snow) it seems to get on very well (considering it's a 2 wd) and MUCH better than any of our std road cars in the same circumstances ;-) You would be able to do some lanes >around Herts as a few are little more than dirt tracks. Others are maybe >a bit too much for it though. Ok, when I've fitted the new front coil springs (one has broken) and poly bushes I might check some out .. As for tyres, you dont necessarily need mud >ones to be able to go laning. The Niva never had more than AT's and the >110 has got M&S tyres on. Saying that I am planning to get some muds as >the extra grip would be nice. Watching the 4x4's struggling in the 'bog' I came to the conclusion that even fairly 'gnarly' tyres become pretty smooth when filled with gloop! >>>I think most areas have a monthly meet. In Herts we normally head out laning >>>the following Sunday. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >The monthly meet is at the Long and Short in Lemsford nr WGC, second Wed >of every month. Ok .. The following Sundays trip is normally planned that night >along with the meeting place. Secret stuff eh .. ;-) Quite often we meet at the 24hr Tescos next >to the A1 in Hatfield, but the place varies. Do participants have to drive to a phone box to get the next instructions ,, ;-) We don't always drive Herts >either but try to vary a bit. The furthest we've made it is to the north >Norfolk coast having driven the Peddars Way! Woah .. that sounds like fun .. I'll have to have to have a Google on that .. All the best .. T i m > Secret stuff eh .. ;-) I think it happens that way as you can never be sure who is going to turn up. Most of the time it's a bunch of regulars but we do get the odd newbie popping in. A lot of the lanes around here are quite tight, which means you *will* pick up lots of scratches. That sort of thing can put people off so a route which is better suited to them may be planned. Signaturesimon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk Simon Barr. '97 110 300Tdi. >>> So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > T i m We started off with just a Discovery(4 kids and 3 of them in carseats don't fit in the back of a Volvo estate)...now we've got four...and Bruce who swore that he'd never mend cars...does that as well. According to the Land Rover Owner Mag, the Discovery I is the second best off-roader...and I love my Discovery. SignatureNikki 1990 Discovery V8i 1985 Range Rover V8 1975 88" Series III 2.25 petrol 1979 Series III Lightweight 2.25 petrol >We started off with just a Discovery(4 kids and 3 of them in carseats don't >fit in the back of a Volvo estate)...now we've got four...and Bruce who >swore that he'd never mend cars...does that as well. Hmm .. ;-) >According to the Land Rover Owner Mag, the Discovery I is the second best >off-roader...and I love my Discovery. So what was No1 (out of interest ..?) Nikki ? All the best .. T i m >> We started off with just a Discovery(4 kids and 3 of them in carseats don't >> fit in the back of a Volvo estate)...now we've got four...and Bruce who [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > T i m Defender of course. SignatureNikki 1990 Discovery V8i 1985 Range Rover V8 1975 88" Series III 2.25 petrol 1979 Series III Lightweight 2.25 petrol >>> According to the Land Rover Owner Mag, the Discovery I is the second best >>> off-roader...and I love my Discovery. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >> >Defender of course. Ah .. <I'm new to all this don't forget ..> ;-) It seems to me the real 'best' might be a tractor .. after all it's what they normally bring in to pull the 4x4's out when they are stuck? ;-) All the best .. T i m >>Defender of course. > >Ah .. <I'm new to all this don't forget ..> ;-) > >It seems to me the real 'best' might be a tractor .. after all it's >what they normally bring in to pull the 4x4's out when they are stuck? I gather that Unimogs are pretty capable in the right hands, too. D90 on "big" tyres (235/85R16 now) is pretty much the ultimate, I reckon. The 90 used to be fitted with smaller tyres as standard (205R16) [the SWB series, as well, standard tyres used to be 6.00x16, 7.50x16 for LWBs] and as a result lacked diff clearance, you could always go up to the bigger tyres, and they're fitting the bigger ones from new now anyway. The only thing that the Rangie loses out on (and the disco, for that matter, is the approach and especially departure angles. Ramp breakover can be improved by a suspension lift, but the long rear overhang on the disco and rangie is a problem. 'course, you can always "bob" a rangie... > >>Defender of course. > > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > improved by a suspension lift, but the long rear overhang on the disco and > rangie is a problem. 'course, you can always "bob" a rangie... and a disco, friend has just bought a bobbed disco. Bit more work with a disco mind, due to the alpine roof lights... -- Simon Isaacs Peterborough 4x4 Club Vice Chairman, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster (how much more....) 3.5V8 100" Hybrid, now LPG converted Part owner of 1976 S3 LWT, Fully restored, ready for sale! Make me an offer! Suzuki SJ410 (Fianc?e's) 3" lift kit fitted, body shell now restored and mounted on chassis, waiting on a windscreen and MOT Series 3 88" Rolling chassis...what to do next 1993 200 TDi Discovery (the Pug 106 is dead, long live the Pug) Peterborough 4x4 Club http://www.peterborough4x4.co.uk On Tuesday, in article <0p4il0poo9cqrs3mnqrshsjinrnj3ahvdh@4ax.com> > >>> According to the Land Rover Owner Mag, the Discovery I is the second best > >>> off-roader...and I love my Discovery. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > what they normally bring in to pull the 4x4's out when they are stuck? > ;-) Mostly no suspension, but there seem to be more magazines about collecting tractors than about farming... SignatureDavid G. Bell -- SF Fan, Filker, and Punslinger. "History shows that the Singularity started when Sir Tim Berners-Lee was bitten by a radioactive spider." >> It seems to me the real 'best' might be a tractor .. after all it's >> what they normally bring in to pull the 4x4's out when they are stuck? >> ;-) > >Mostly no suspension, Like a leaf sprung 'series' from what I've seen as they were going over the bumps! but there seem to be more magazines about >collecting tractors than about farming... No money in farming (they say) so why keep the tractor .. ;-( All the best .. T i m >>>> According to the Land Rover Owner Mag, the Discovery I is the second best >>>> off-roader...and I love my Discovery. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > T i m Don't be silly...what do you want a tractor for? Not as much fun as in a Land Rover. Think of all the fun you'll have shopping for all your off road accessories like a high lift jack or diff guard.....even better a winch. -- Nikki 1990 Discovery V8i 1985 Range Rover V8 1975 88" Series III 2.25 petrol 1979 Series III Lightweight 2.25 petrol >> It seems to me the real 'best' might be a tractor .. after all it's >> what they normally bring in to pull the 4x4's out when they are stuck? >> ;-) >> T i m > >Don't be silly.. I can't help it ;-( .what do you want a tractor for? Pulling 4x4's out of the mud .. ;-) Not as much fun as in a >Land Rover. Possibly not .. ;-) Think of all the fun you'll have shopping for all your off road >accessories like a high lift jack or diff guard.... Ah, now you are talking .. ! .even better a winch. I'll make do with my Tirfor 'Jockey' for the moment .. I need the exercise .. <sigh> All the best .. T i m >Don't be silly...what do you want a tractor for? Not as much fun as in a >Land Rover. Think of all the fun you'll have shopping for all your off road >accessories like a high lift jack or diff guard.....even better a winch. I quite fancy one of those JCB Fastracs though, fit a pickup body to the back, instant monster truck. Like to see the buggers wheelclamp that. > I quite fancy one of those JCB Fastracs though, fit a pickup body to the > back, instant monster truck. Like to see the buggers wheelclamp that. I'll try and get some photos of the place you need to go then Austin - the local machinery transport company has about 400 ickle tractors lined up outside - there must be one that would suit you there. SignatureEMB change two to the number to reply T i m vaguely muttered something like ... > So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) Oh, you sad, sad man ... Welcome to the world of off-roading .. you never stop smiling, even when you're stuck... ;) http://groups.msn.com/LosiPaulsPictures/shoebox.msnw?Page=3 We were in a 'slurry pond' and sinking .. it took another Disco and a Hybrid S2/S3 in tandem to pull us out. Pages 1 and 2 are a bit tamer. Disco's rule . .. SignaturePaul ... (8(|) Homer Rules !!! http://paul-xxx.blogspot.com/ Just started a blog .. "A tosser is a tosser, no matter what mode of transport they're using." >T i m vaguely muttered something like ... > >> So, looks like 'we' need some form of 4X4 then ... ;-) > >Oh, you sad, sad man ... Me sad .. ok so I do like Kylie, 7 of 9, was racing a Yokomo MR4TC a while back and now seem to like 4x4's .. ring any bells <weg> ;-) Welcome to the world of off-roading .. So even just being a passenger / video engineer counts does it . (kewl) ;-) you never >stop smiling, even when you're stuck... ;) .. so I noticed yesterday .. the deeper they got the harder they tried and the more the croud was with them towards the end! Those that actually made it out the bog and up this 30 ft dirt wall did so to loads of cheers and applause! (which was great to be a part of) ;-) The only time I'd seen such support was at the British Sports Bike champs (this round was at Brands) and *every* rider was applauded at the end by the entire audience (who were often given a wave back and a wheelie or two) ;-) >http://groups.msn.com/LosiPaulsPictures/shoebox.msnw?Page=3 We were in a >'slurry pond' and sinking .. it took another Disco and a Hybrid S2/S3 in >tandem to pull us out. Pages 1 and 2 are a bit tamer. Nice .. you shure that was just 'mud' there Paul ... >Disco's rule . .. I'd have to say they weren't letting the side down yesterday .. but will they still be around in 20 years time .. (not sure I will but I have to ask ..) The BIL said his Disco was still chassis based .. unlike the newer models .. (assuming a chassis is a good thing?) All the best fella .. ;-) T i m (currently wearing a very 'green' 'T' shirt .. with a little oval badge .. I think it's happening .... ) > >T i m vaguely muttered something like ... > > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Me sad .. ok so I do like Kylie, 7 of 9, I nearly got banned from watching voyager on account of 7 of 9, I also have a soft spot for Jadzea Dax... -- Simon Isaacs Peterborough 4x4 Club Vice Chairman, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster (how much more....) 3.5V8 100" Hybrid, now LPG converted Part owner of 1976 S3 LWT, Fully restored, ready for sale! Make me an offer! Suzuki SJ410 (Fianc?e's) 3" lift kit fitted, body shell now restored and mounted on chassis, waiting on a windscreen and MOT Series 3 88" Rolling chassis...what to do next 1993 200 TDi Discovery (the Pug 106 is dead, long live the Pug) Peterborough 4x4 Club http://www.peterborough4x4.co.uk |
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